Rocking Out with Jonathan Davis of Korn

Since 1993, the band Korn has sold around 35 million copies worldwide. They have earned two Grammy Awards and two MTV Music Awards. For Korn front man Jonathan Davis, he has been there for it all. We interviewed Davis in 2006 and talked to him about how becoming a father changed him and his spiritual journey.

Davis reflects on how becoming a father changed him including going cold turkey with drugs and alcohol.

“It’s the most amazing thing you can ever do. It’s the reason for living, pretty much. Just seeing these little people who depend on you and you see yourself in, that’s a way of immortality itself. The day [11-year-old] Nathan was born, I was a complete stark-raving drug-addict-alcoholic nutcase, and I didn’t give a crap about anybody but myself. I lived the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle full on, excess chicks, everything. One day I came home completely sloshed and he was probably two at the time. He knew I was f-ked up and he gave me this look that I’ll never forget. It made me feel like an inch tall. And I went on this tour when Follow the Leader came out and my grandfather passed away and those two things put me over the edge. I quit drinking, smoking, doing drugs everything, that day, August 22, 1998. I haven’t touched anything since…It cost me. I was messed up mentally for about a year from the alcohol and drug withdrawal and the chemistry getting back to normal in my body. I had horrible panic attacks, I got schizophrenic for a while. I thought people were trying to poison my food. The whole first Family Values Tour, I only came out of my bunk to play shows. Then I went right back in. Once it cleaned all out, my mind got straight and it was great. I had to be around for my kids.

^“ If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it.  All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.” 1 John 5:16-17

Davis opens up about his spiritual beliefs.

“I’ve always been a believer in God, man. I just don’t believe in organized religion. I think people get too fanatical with it. I’m not a big believer in the Bible and that kind of stuff. I just believe if you’re good to people, they should be good back to you, and that’s the way I live. I pray and do that stuff, but it’s more of a personal thing with me. I’m not out there to broadcast it and do all the things born-again Christians do. It opened my eyes when I could have died any second. It was frightening for me because I have my little boys. I don’t care about myself, but I got two little boys and a wife and a lot of fans who need me, so I want to be around. I wouldn’t necessarily say J.D. went Christian, but I got my beliefs.”

Risen Reflections

Decide what you believe. In this day and age, there are so many religions and beliefs. It has become culturally acceptable to pick and chose what we believe. It is important for each person to figure out what they believe and more importantly that those beliefs are founded in truth. Take time this week to identify if you have spiritual or faith-based questions. It is okay to have questions or question what you believe. Meet with a trusted friend, small group leader or pastor to ask those questions. There are also lots of great resources including Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Case for Christ and Case for Faith.

Share your faith. Each of us have people all around us that need to hear about a relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray and ask God to show you who He wants you to share your faith it. It might be in a one-on-one conversation, a small group or even an outreach. If you have never shared your faith story, write down what your life was like before your relationship with Christ, how you came to believe in Christ, and what He is doing in your life now. Share it with a friend or small group member and ask them for their feedback. Listen to other friends’ faith stories too to see what you can learn.

Look up. If you have hit rock bottom, it is time to look up and allow God to work in your life. Be willing to reach out and ask for help. God has placed people in our lives that are willing to come alongside us and help us. It could be a friend, family member or someone at church. Change may not be easy, but think about how the change will positively impact you and the lives of others.